How to Boil Tea Leaves
A cup of tea provides a pleasant break nearly any time of day. Take the time to brew it properly to get the most enjoyment. Whether you choose traditional black tea, green tea or herbal tea, there are only a few steps between cold water and a refreshing cup of tea. You can learn how to boil tea leaves quite easily. Begin with cold, fresh water for the best results, and remember that the flavor of the finished tea depends on the quality of the water you use in the brewing process. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cold water
- Tea pot
- Pot or tea kettle
- Tea (either loose or in tea bags)
- Infuser or strainer (for loose tea)
Instructions
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In a teapot
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1
Fill pot or kettle with cold water and place on heat to bring to a full boil.
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2
Swish warm water in the teapot to warm it. This step not only improves the flavor of the tea but also reduces the temperature difference between the teapot and the boiling water to minimize the chance of teapot breakage.
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3
Add tea to the teapot, using an infuser if you have one. Use approximately one to two teaspoons of loose tea leaves per cup.
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4
Pour the boiling water over the tea in the warmed teapot.
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5
Replace the cover on the teapot and allow the brew to steep to taste.
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6
Remove the infuser. For loose tea steeped without an infuser, strain the brew.
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7
Pour the tea into individual cups and serve.
In a teacup
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8
Fill pot or kettle with cold water and place on heat to bring to a full boil.
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9
Place one to two teaspoons of loose tea leaves in each teacup, using an infuser if you have one.
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10
Pour boiling water into the teacup and allow the brew to steep.
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11
Remove the infuser or strain the tea. Serve.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Steeping time depends on container and type of tea. In a teapot, steep black or herbal tea for four to five minutes and green tea for two to three minutes. Brew for a little less time in a cup: two to three minutes for black and herbal teas, one to two minutes for green tea. Remember that the color will not seem as deep in the smaller bowl of a cup as it does in a teapot.
Avoid steeping beyond the recommended times. Bitter oils within the tea leaves are released during extended brewing times. Remove the tea from the brew as soon as brewing is complete to reduce the amount of bitterness released into the brew.
